New Small-Displacement KTMs Are on the Way

[Admin]

Spy shots of this revamped KTM RC 125 suggest the firm is working on an RC series overhaul. (S. Baldauf/SB-Medien/)

After focusing on its parallel-twin and V-twin Duke and Adventure models for the last few years, KTM is about to turn its attention to the smaller-capacity single-cylinder RC sportbikes—with complete overhauls coming soon to both the RC 390 and its smaller RC 125 sibling. These pictures show the 125cc model, but the next-generation RCs will share the same styling and chassis for both engine sizes, so the changes seen here here will also apply to the RC 390. The two models have been spotted testing, both in Spain and near KTM’s main Mattighofen factory, with little more than the engine cases and exhaust systems separating them in terms of appearance.

Bodywork on the next-gen models is leaner and the fuel tank is new as well. (S. Baldauf/SB-Medien/)

So what’s new on the next generation of baby KTM? Engine aside, the answer is pretty much everything. Let’s start with the cosmetics—every panel on the next-generation RC models is new, with a leaner, lighter appearance, particularly around the rear. The seat subframe is much more delicate-looking than the hefty design of the existing models. It’s still a steel trellis, but slimmer and topped with minimalist plastic bodywork.

Further forward, the fuel tank is new, with a clear split between its front section and the rear half. It suggests the rear part will house the engine’s airbox while the front, where the filler is located, carries the fuel.

The fronts of the side panels “float” off the main fairing, while the nose now carries clear plastic instead of colored bodywork. (S. Baldauf/SB-Medien/)

On the sides, the bodywork has two distinct layers. The front parts of the side panels appear to “float” a small distance away from the main fairing, suggesting air is channeled between the sections—a system that Aprilia has brought to prominence with the new RS 660 and 2021 RSV4. But the most arresting part of the new RC design is the front, which builds on the already-unconventional ideas seen on the current model by using clear plastic instead of colored bodywork for the whole nose of the bike.

The screen extends down over the headlight and across to each side of the nose, where it covers the position lights and LED turn signals. KTM appears to be keeping its signature, vertically split headlamp, but it’s more subtle here than on other models as the split hides behind that smooth expanse of Plexiglas.

The suspension is from WP, of course, and from these images appears to be one of the few parts of the bike not to have been altered much. The swingarm retains the usual external bracing and seems to be the same casting that’s used on the current model, while the forks also look much like those on the existing RC 125 and RC 390. A single front disc gripped by a radial-mount caliper from Brembo’s low-cost ByBre brand also matches the specs of the 2020 bike.

RELATED: 2017 KTM RC390 Favorites & Fails

On board, there’s a new TFT dash to replace the aging LCD unit used on the current-year RC 390 and RC 125 bikes. It looks like the 5-inch unit that’s already been adopted on other KTMs including the 890 Adventure and the next-gen RC 390′s sister model, the 390 Adventure.

Since testing of the updated RC has been underway for some time already, and late-development components like the headlight and taillight are clearly complete now, it’s likely the bike isn’t too far from production. Chances are it will be launched later this year as a 2022 model.

View the full article